Connection devices for a flexible circuit

Abstract

A connection device is provided for connecting a flexible circuit. Said connection device having a casing in which is constructed at its front end a series of plug sockets for receiving connectors. The connectors include electrical contact terminals for crimping to a flexible circuit. A cover is attached to the casing that pivots from an open position, in which the connectors may be inserted in the plug sockets, and a close position in which the connectors are locked in place. Upper and lower openings are constructed in the casing to allow the crimping of the terminals after they are locked in place.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A connection device for a flexible circuit comprising: a series of connectors having terminations constructed to engage said flexible circuit by crimping; 
       a casing fitted with at least one row of longitudinal plug sockets for the reception of said series of connectors, said casing constructed with a cover component which can be manipulated between a pre-insertion position and a locked position, said cover component constructed as a frame defining an opening for admission of a crimping tool component for engaging said crimping terminations with said flexible circuit.  
     
     
       2. A connection device for a flexible circuit, according to  claim 1 , wherein the casing further comprises a window arranged opposite to said opening in said cover component, between a front portion of the casing which includes the plug sockets and a rear portion of said casing, said window forming an opening for admitting a counter thrust tool. 
     
     
       3. A connection device, according to  claim 1 , where the frame and the casing are provided with supplementary latching components to lock said cover component in the locked position. 
     
     
       4. A connection device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame is constructed with an opening which provides a space for the introduction of the flexible circuit when said cover component is in the locked position. 
     
     
       5. A connection device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame may be raised with respect to the flexible circuit connection terminations to provide a space for the introduction of the flexible circuit. 
     
     
       6. A connection device, according to  claim 1 , further comprising a module carrier constructed to receive multiple assembled units of said casing and said series of connectors wherein said units are sequentially stacked to provide loading and crimping of each of said units. 
     
     
       7. A connection device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover component is provided with at least one lug and a seat for the reception and retention of the said lug and further wherein said lug engages said seat through a hole constructed in said flexible circuit. 
     
     
       8. A connection device, according to  claim 7 , wherein said lug is borne by a folding blade terminal which forms part of the frame. 
     
     
       9. A method of assembling a connection device for a flexible circuit having a series of connectors having terminations constructed to engage said flexible circuit by crimping and a casing fitted with at least one row of longitudinal plug sockets for the reception of said series of connectors, said casing constructed with a cover component ( 5 ) which can be manipulated between a pre-insertion position and a locked position, said cover component constructed as a frame defining an opening for admission of a crimping tool for engaging said crimping terminations with said flexible circuit, said method comprising the steps of: 
       inserting said connectors into the plug sockets;  
       closing the cover components over the connectors, said connectors being exposed through said opening in said frame;  
       inserting said flexible circuit between said frame of said cover component and said crimping terminations; and  
       crimping terminations to connect said flexible circuit to said connection device by means of a crimping tool inserted through said opening.  
     
     
       10. The method of assembling, according to  claim 9  further comprising the step of: 
       crimping of said crimping terminations to connect said flexible circuit to said connection device by means of a tool inserted into said opening of the frame and a counter thrust tool inserted into a window constructed in the casing.  
     
     
       11. The method of assembling, according to  claim 9 , further comprising the steps of: 
       constructing said flexible circuit with at least one hol; and  
       centering and locking the flexible circuit into the casing by the insertion of a lug constructed as part of the cover component into the hole after said flexible circuit is inserted into the casing.  
     
     
       12. The method of assembling, according to  claim 9 , further comprising the steps of: 
       constructing a carrier for receiving multiple units of casings and connectors; and  
       sequentially stacking said multiple units within said carrier in a manner which allows the sequential crimping of said crimping connectors by crimping of said crimping terminations to connect said flexible circuit to said connection device by means of a tool inserted into said opening of the frame and a counter thrust tool inserted into a window constructed in the casing.